What is a fraternity/sorority?
A fraternity/sorority is a group of men or women bound together by brotherhood or sisterhood and common goals and aspirations. Though there are many different fraternities and sororities, they all share common founding principles. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what Greek members strive to live by every day. Greek organizations enhance students’ educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development.
What are the fraternities/sororities at MSU?
MSU currently has 14 Greek-letter organizations on campus. Each chapter is also governed by one of the three (3) Greek councils; the Interfraternity Council (IFC) , the Cultural Greek Council (CGC), and the National Panhellenic Council (NPC). For more information about these chapters, please visit the chapter links on our site or contact the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement.
How much does it cost to be in fraternity/ sorority?
There are costs associated with membership in a Greek organization but these costs are reasonable considering the benefits. The fees will typically be higher during the semester you join but are often one-time initiation fees that cover costs associated with the membership badge, national application fees, and other related costs. Membership dues often cover social activities, educational programs, and leadership conferences. Membership costs vary from chapter to chapter and payment plans may be offered through the chapter. Be sure to ask each chapter about the required fees during the recruitment process.
How will being in a fraternity or sorority affect my grades?
Fraternities and sororities offer study halls, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members. Each chapter receives an end of the semester grade report on each member. These reports help the chapter chart their members' academic progress and target members who may need additional academic support. Most organizations will also work around your academic schedule, especially during mid-terms and finals. All Greek chapters have varying g.p.a. and other academic requirements which must be met prior to being initiated into the chapter.
How much of a time commitment should I expect?
The actual amount of time required varies from chapter to chapter, and is a good question to ask during recruitment. Participating in any organization or worthwhile activity always requires investing your time. Research has shown that students who are involved in college are more likely to graduate and tend to report more satisfaction with their college experience. Greek life can help you learn to balance academics, work, social commitments, and involvement within your chapter and other organizations.
How do I join?
To join a National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sorority you must complete the registration form and any other necessary requirements through the online form on the Panhellenic Council webpage. Dates for Fall Recruitment vary from year to year but generally occur during the second week of classes. In the spring, there is not a formal recruitment period however sororities may recruit members through continuous open bidding (COB).
To join an Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternity you should complete the registration form online. IFC fraternities formally recruit new members during the fall semester but may also recruit members in the spring. For more information about the requirements for each chapter, please contact a chapter representative or the Coordinator of Greek Life.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities recruit new members through a process known as "intake." Each chapter recruits members at a different time so be sure to look for posters, flyers, and ads in The Wichitan for more information.
Cultural Greek Organizations recruit members year round. Announcements will be made throughout the year regarding the time and place of recruitment events. Look for posters, ads in The Wichitan, and flyers for this information.
If I go through recruitment, do I have to join?
You are not obligated to join any of the chapters. Recruitment is a great opportunity for you to check out Fraternity and Sorority Life ( FSL) at Midwestern State University. You will also have the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests. FSL may not be for everyone, but we encourage you to take a look.
When is the best time to join?
Adjusting to college life is often a confusing process, so when to join a fraternity or sorority is a personal decision. However by going through recruitment you will have the opportunity to discover a different aspect of college life in addition to making new friends. Many students who have gone through recruitment have made strong connections and friendships with people that have lasted far past the recruitment process.
Are there Greek Houses at Midwestern State University?
MSU does not have your typical fraternity house system. One of our fraternity has chapter room located in the Fraternity Commons, which serve as a common meeting place for chapter meetings and functions. Sororities do not have off-campus housing, but they currently meet on campus for most of their chapter functions. The Panhellenic Council (NPC) chapters also have chapter rooms located in Fain Hall where most of their meetings take place.
Aren't fraternities/sororities all about alcohol and partying?
Alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. Most organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse and precautions are taken at all events to ensure a safe environment. The decision of whether or not to consume alcohol is made by any student – being in a fraternity or sorority has no bearing on that decision. True, the social aspect of Greek Life is one of the major reasons that students get involved in fraternities and sororities. However there is much more to being in a fraternity/sorority than "partying". Fraternities and sororities have some of the most active students on campus. Every organization devotes countless hours to community service and raises money for their national philanthropies as well as encourages involvement in a wide variety of campus organizations. They also have frequent organized brotherhood/sisterhood events for their members.
What about hazing?
Physical and mental hazing is banned by the University, the national Greek organizations, and by the laws of the State of Texas. Fortunately, most Greeks recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing will not be tolerated at Midwestern State University.
Can I still be involved in other MSU organizations if I join a Greek organization?
Yes! All of the fraternities and sororities strongly encourage their members to be active in other organizations on campus because they know how important involvement is for both the individual member and the campus community. Fraternity and sorority members are some of the most active leaders on campus, participating in many of the various organizations and activities here at Midwestern State University.
Where can I get more information about Greek Life at MSU?
You can learn more about Greek Life at MSU, the different chapters, and councils by looking around the Greek Life webpage. You can also contact our office by calling 940-397-3033 or emailing greek@msutexas.edu.